Procurement Category Lead

Job Description

We are seeking a strategic and comprehensive procurement professional to join our team as a Procurement Category Lead. This role requires someone who can manage a category from cradle to grave, focusing on strategic rather than transactional procurement. The successful candidate will lead and support local, regional, and global procurement activities, including formal category management, savings and risk management initiatives, NPD and ESG initiatives.

• Lead and facilitate sourcing initiatives for assigned categories.
• Manage strategic commercial negotiations using product-appropriate bid technology such as e-RFX and e-auctions.
• Ensure all agreements adhere to internal approval and legal requirements.
• Support risk management initiatives by identifying and approving alternate suppliers.
• Assist plant buyers with the expedition of supplier purchase orders when necessary.
• Gather and provide regular market analysis, benchmark data, and supplier evaluations to support sales initiatives.
• Analyze inbound freight spend and identify savings opportunities in coordination with the logistics team.
• Coordinate communication and implementation of marketing-initiated artwork changes with suppliers.
• Analyze and evaluate potential supplier ESG risks and implement corrective actions.
• Approve invoices, investigate and resolve price discrepancies, and assist in budget preparation.
• Coordinate creation and maintenance of vendor price records and contracts within ERP.
• Provide escalation of supplier responses to customer complaints and nonconformance issues in cooperation with Quality Assurance.
• Support initial supplier approval and reapproval processes.
• Coordinate plant trials and ensure proper documentation in the trial database.
• Provide necessary input for annual supplier assessments.
• Create and maintain procurement reports and monthly KPI tracking.

• 5 years of comprehensive procurement experience (cradle to grave procurement).
• Experience in leading and managing categories.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable using Excel for data analysis.
• Determination, grit, and strong work ethic.

• Experience in raw materials and/or ingredients procurement is preferred.
• Experience in the food and/or beverage industry is preferred.

Join a smaller, high-performing team consisting of a VP, 3 Managers, and 1 Category Lead. The team is known for their strong work ethic and accountability, providing a supportive environment for professional development. Enjoy a hybrid work model with 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home. The team culture is excellent, with members who are fun, hardworking, and eager to win.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay range: $48.07 - $52.88/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:
This is a hybrid position in Saint Louis, MO. Final date to receive applications:
This position is anticipated to close on Feb 27, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence.

With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a Clearly Rated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarter for other accommodation options.